One of the chores that seniors often struggle with when they’re aging in place is making sure their medications are organized and taking them all on time. Most seniors take around five medications, so keeping track of them all can be very difficult. If you are worried because your senior parent takes a lot of medications and you’re not sure that those medications are organized properly, or if you know that your senior parent sometimes misses doses, elder care services can help.
An elder care provider can organize all of the medications and supplements that your senior parent takes and make sure they are all up to date. An elder care provider can also set up a reminder system so that your senior parent knows exactly when they are supposed to take each different medication and how to take it. Care providers don’t administer medications, but they are a great resource for helping seniors keep their medications organized and refilled.
Some of the ways that an elder care provider can help your senior parent organize and manage their medications are:
Organizing Medications
One of the first things an elder care provider can do is set up a pill organizer. These organizers usually have separate compartments for each day of the week, and sometimes even for morning, afternoon, and night.
This way, your parent doesn’t have to worry about remembering if they took their medicine; they can just check the organizer. It makes the whole process simpler and lowers the chance of taking the wrong pill or missing a dose.
Keeping an Updated Medication List
A good care provider will keep a written list of every medication your parent is taking. This includes the name of the drug, the dosage, and any special instructions, like “take with food” or “do not drive after taking.”
It’s best to keep this list in a big binder or notebook so it’s easy to find. The elder care provider can also update it anytime there’s a change. Having a complete list is really helpful for doctor visits, emergencies, or even just daily checks.
Picking Up Refills
It’s easy to forget to refill a prescription until it’s too late. An elder care provider can help by keeping track of when medications are running low and making sure refills are picked up on time. They can either go to the pharmacy themselves or arrange for deliveries if that’s easier. This way, your parent never has to worry about running out of important medications.
Setting Up Reminders
Even with a pill organizer, seniors sometimes need reminders to actually take their medications. An elder care provider can gently remind your parent when it’s time to take their pills, without making them feel nagged. They can even help set alarms on a phone or clock if your parent likes having extra reminders.
Watching for Side Effects or Problems
Sometimes medications cause side effects like dizziness, upset stomach, or feeling extra tired. An elder care provider can pay attention to how your parent is feeling after taking their medicine. If something seems off, they can let the family or doctor know right away. Catching side effects early can prevent bigger health problems down the road.
If you or someone you know needs Elder Care in Hutchinson, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.